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April

Since 1968, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College (Hostos) of The City University of New York (CUNY) has transformed lives and forged futures in the Bronx. It opened the doors to opportunities for education, job training, and other community resources during a time when the City was bankrupt, and it was at that moment that Hostos marked history and made a difference.

February

Hostos Community College has always supported veterans, and its dedication to those who serve bravely is something the College takes pride in. Because of this effort, Hostos has been named a 2018 Military Friendly® Schools by Victory Media.

On January 31, Hostos was home to the Bronx LGBT Career Fair, which brought together several community partners and leaders to support a diverse workforce in the borough. The event welcomed recruiters and representatives from more than 60 companies, as well as experts who reviewed resumes, career panels with members of the Gay Coaches Collective, and others.

Hostos is all about education and celebrating diversity. Those two subjects were united beautifully through a special event that brought NY1 News anchor, award-winning journalist, and author Cheryl Wills back to campus on February 8.

January

To honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day, 22 members of the Hostos Student Leadership Academy (SLA) volunteered at B'nai Jeshurun Temple to pack toiletry kits for people facing housing challenges. Working with Student Leadership Coordinator Jason Libfeld, the group assembled 300 packages. Some students even brought their children to experience the power of giving back.

During the summer of 2013, Hostos Community College helped 11 student-actors experience a life-changing journey to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland. The troupe from the College’s Repertory Company, the “Hostos Rep,” was the only community college in North America invited to join approximately 24,000 other performers and artists from 41 countries at one of the largest theatrical events in the world.

INTO London World Education Centre English teacher Arnaldo Griffin, who is a 2004 Hostos alumnus and the son of the College’s Chief of Public Safety Arnaldo Bernabe, wanted a novel way to work with his students to develop their academic English skills. The answer was a student-run event to raise awareness of an issue important to them.

Professors Andrea Fabrizio and Gregory Marks, along with their colleagues in Hostos' English Department, have created courses through a collaboration with Columbia University that utilize the powerful lessons and language in classic literature to make students better readers, writers and thinkers.Studying Western Civilization in the South Bronx.

Marjorie Agosín, Magali Alabau, Ruth Behar, Alicia Borinsky, Carlota Caulfield, Susana Chávez-Silverman, and Achy Obejas are the seven writers featured in issue No. 14 of Hostos Review/Revista Hostosiana, published by the Latin American Writers Institute of Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of the City University of New York.

On December 6, Hostos held its Second Annual Immigration Resource Fair. Titled “Migration is Beautiful!” the day-long event included a “Know Your Rights” workshop and culminated with powerful “Unafraid! Border-crossing Stories” told by immigrant students.

November

Hostos was awarded the Outstanding Partnership Leadership Award in recognition of the exceptional support the College has provided to students and families in need during its partnership with WellCare of New York.

Hurricane MarÍa has changed the landscape of Puerto Rico forever, and people are leaving the island by the thousands. The dynamics of this migration, as well as a look back at its history dating back to colonial times, was examined at Hostos November 16.

Science took over Hostos from November 14 to November 16 as the Annual “Science Day” featured guest speakers, lectures, student poster presentations and other projects all aimed at celebrating the College’s commitment to the discipline.

October

Because of the devastation caused by the recent natural disasters in Mexico, the Caribbean, and southern United States, the College has been busy offering information about international and local relief efforts and resources.

The week of September 25 was bittersweet at Hostos as Nydia Edgecombe, the longtime Director of Hostos’ Alumni Relations Office, bid her farewell after four decades of service to the College and the community.
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October

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to reflect and celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The organizers of the 2017 Dominican Day Parade couldn’t have asked for better weather on August 13 – the sky was clear and sunny, flags were flying, and spirits were soaring. This annual celebration of Dominican culture, music, folklore, dancing and cuisine also honors a number of elected officials, civic leaders, artists, and educators for their contributions to the community.

Building on its efforts to save students money on expensive textbooks, increase their exposure to high-tech learning tools, and improve graduation rates, Hostos Community College is offering Open Educational Resources in more classes for the 2017-2018 school year.

Since its inception in 2012, Hostos’ Center for Bronx Nonprofits (CBNP) has worked toward building a better Bronx by assisting and supporting the numerous organizations in the borough who are committed to the same mission.

Since the change in administration in Washington, there have been a series of continuous assaults against the immigrant community in this nation. Whether they were the numerous executive orders or tepid repudiation of acts of hate, it is clear that the present administration has elected to pursue a course of action that is antithetical to the principles upon which this nation was founded.

On June 15, Diandra Jugmohan, Co-Director of Hostos’ STEP and CSTEP programs, received the President’s Award for her outstanding leadership, extraordinary dedication, and service to APACS (the Association for Program Administrators of CSTEP & STEP).

On June 22, the Adult Learning Center and the Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development recognized and celebrated 120 adult learners who earned their High School Equivalency (HSE) diplomas.

Hostos President Dr. David Gómez joined professors, researchers, and administrators to discuss issues related to higher education in New York, especially how to ensure that more New Yorkers are college-ready and successful once they enter higher education.

June

On June 15, Pancita Lewis, a graduate of Hostos’ Adult Learning Center, received the Peter Jennings Scholarship Award. Lewis and nine other recipients were honored at a ceremony at CUNY's Graduate Center in Manhattan.

Commencement may have signaled the end of the school year, but that doesn’t mean that academic activity on campus came to a stop; students merely slipped into sandals and shorts and signed up for a wealth of fun---but challenging---summer courses.

May

Two Hostos students from the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) Willy Baez and Madieng Diao won the 1st -place prize in the “Technology and Mathematics ” category at the 25th Annual CSTEP Statewide Student Conference.

Two Hostos students from the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) Willy Baez and Madieng Diao won the 1st -place prize in the “Technology and Mathematics ” category at the 25th Annual CSTEP Statewide Student Conference.

May

On April 18th, the Hostos Center for Arts and Culture enter was swinging and swaying, thanks to the first-ever, multi-day retrospective of the life and work of the legendary Tito Puente, “the King of Latin Music.” Concerts, workshops, dance recitals, panels and film screenings examined Puente’s career and his lasting influence on the musical scene.

On April 18th, the Hostos Center for Arts and Culture enter was swinging and swaying, thanks to the first-ever, multi-day retrospective of the life and work of the legendary Tito Puente, “the King of Latin Music.”

Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of The City University of New York is proud to announce that the College’s 46th Commencement Ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 1, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. For the first time at the landmark United Palace in Washington Heights, the ceremony will recognize the extraordinary achievements of 1,232 graduates.

On May 5th, the Hostos Community College Foundation’s 2017 Benefit was held on campus. This annual event raises money for the Hostos Scholarship Fund and celebrates the diverse achievements of its students. Telemundo 47’s news reporter Cristina Navarrete served as the Benefit’s Mistress of Ceremonies.

On behalf of the students, faculty, and staff of Eugenio María de Hostos Community College, as well as the Board of Directors of the Hostos Community College Foundation, thank you for your generous support of the 2017 Scholarship Benefit.

As a way to highlight Hostos’ successful engineering graduates, and to keep the bonds strong with alumni and the Hostos family, the Second Annual Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Chemical Engineering Programs’ Alumni Reunion was held on April 25th 2017 in the A-Atrium

Today, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of The City University of New York announced the kick-off of its 50th anniversary season, Transforming Lives, Forging Futures since 1968, and its year-long, event-filled celebration that will run through June 2018. The statement was issued after a college-wide event held at the College.

Hostos Community College of The City University of New York (CUNY) is delighted to announce its 2017 Scholarship Benefit on Friday, May 5, 2017. With the goal of raising funds for student scholarships, the Benefit will also highlight the many accomplishments of Hostos students and their passion to fulfill their educational aspirations. Noticiero 47 Telemundo News anchor Cristina Navarrete will serve as the Benefit’s Mistress of Ceremonies.

This week, Hostos will be home to the first-ever retrospective of the life and legacy of one of the most important figures in Latin Jazz, The Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture will host "Tito Puente: A Fifty-Year Retrospective of 'El Rey,' a multi-day, in-depth examination of his career through concerts, panels, film, dance, and more.

Hostos Community College is proud to present its inaugural Leadership HCC graduating class, The City University of New York’s first-ever leadership development certification program developed and tailored specifically for Hostos by HDS Consulting, inc, a management consulting firm specializing in leadership development.

On February 16, Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr. hosted his annual Dominican Heritage celebration at Hostos Community College, honoring individuals who have contributed to the growth and promotion of their community and cultural legacy.

March

Diversity drives Hostos Community College, and that spirit was in the air on February 27 when Congressman José E. Serrano and State Senator José M. Serrano celebrated Black History Month at the College with more than a dozen elected officials and community members.

Ramón J. Jiménez, Esq., was a great supporter of Hostos Community College, ever since the doors of the institution were open nearly 50 years ago. Sadly, Professor Jiménez passed away in May of 2016, but his contributions to the College and South Bronx community will never be forgotten.

The Lady Caimans basketball team attacked the CUNYAC title game with the voracity they have shown all season and came away with their first championship since 2007, beating Borough of Manhattan Community College, 66-53, on Feb. 17.

Alumna and author Nicole Goodwin will return to Hostos on February 15 to lecture about her new book, “Warcries,” at 2:00 p.m. in the Hostos Art Gallery. Get to know a little bit more about the special guest, who also served her country valiantly, for this educational and inspiring Black History Month event.

Hostos Community College of The City University of New York (CUNY) boasts the highest "intergenerational social mobility
rate” of students among fellow CUNY community colleges, according to a study in The New York Times published on January 18, 2017.

Hostos Community College (CUNY) men’s basketball player Jonathan Loria set a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) record with 16 three-pointers in the Caimans’ 125-84 victory over Dutchess Community College on January 12.

On January 17, the CUNY Fatherhood Academy (CFA) at Hostos celebrated the accomplishments of 24 student-fathers who completed their 16 weeks of training required to take the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) High School Equivalency test.

December

December has been quite a month for Hostos basketball. Jemal Smith kicked off the award parade by winning NJCAA Division III Player of the Week, after averaging 30.5 points per game (ppg), 13 assists per game (apg) and 3 steals over two games. Smith also won a CUNYAC Player of the Week award.

In response to the growing demand for highly trained Computer Support Technicians and Community Health Workers in New York City, Hostos Community College’s Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) launched two new Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs with the New York State Department of Labor (NYS DOL). Hostos becomes the first college to register apprenticeship programs in New York State.

Hostos Community College is proud to announce that Professor Hector Soto of the Behavioral and Social Sciences Department has been selected as one of the 50 Most Influential People in the Bronx by the publication City & State.

A 1976 flyer from Hostos Professor Emeritus Dr. Gerald Meyer’s “Save Hostos” collection is on display as part of the Museum of the City of New York’s exhibit titled, “New York at Its Core.” It is also featured in a new book about the 1970s fiscal crisis in New York City.

Hostos joined the front lines in the fight against HIV and AIDS on World AIDS Day (Dec. 1) by providing information and services. Offered on the Bridge and throughout the campus were free HIV and other health screenings, free condoms and other health-related resources.

The Natural Sciences Department, and other faculty and staff, helped highlight Hostos’ commitment to quality science education through a month-long series of “Science Day” events, held from November 14-21.

The Hostos Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams kicked off the 2016-2017 season with double wins against SUNY Rockland at a home doubleheader on Tuesday, November 1. The Women’s Basketball team topped Rockland 83-35, while the Caiman Men defeated the Hawks 96-77.

With less than a week way from one of the most intense and high-energy presidential races, the Hostos community in collaboration with the Assisting Latinos to Maximize Achievement (A.L.M.A.) Club, Jerry Rosa, Director of Student Activities and Professor Lizette Colón hosted the “2016 Get Out And Vote,” mock debate on Tuesday, November 1.

Hostos Student Leaders Isela Herrera and Joel Avendano along with Nathaniel Cruz, Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Management (SDEM) took part in the celebration for Dia de los Muertos at St. Mary’s Park held on Saturday, October 26th.

Hostos alumnae, Wendy Fernández and Isamar Garrido-Rodríguez, now juniors at City College of New York as part of the Hostos Joint Dual Degree Engineering Program, won a national award for their research project presented at the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) Conference, which was held from October 13 to15 in Long Beach, CA. Their winning research poster was titled: "Discovery of Embryonic Ectoderm Development (EED) Inhibitors Using Crystal Structure-Based Virtual Screening."

Hostos was home to the wildly successful BomPlenazo Festival from October 6 to October 9. The biennial celebration of Afro-Puerto Rican music and dance had a special theme this year, as it was dedicated to the memory of José “Chema” Soto, who passed away in 2015, was known as a patriarch of the musical style.

Always looking for ways to spread information about healthy and wellness on and off campus, Hostos Community College is thrilled to be a part of the recently formed, “Healthy Beverage Zone” (HBZ) —a project led by Union Community Health Center and in partnership with members of #Not62.

The new Roberto Clemente Plaza project in “The Hub” just off 3rd Avenue in the South Bronx has received a photogenic facelift, thanks to Hostos Development Specialist Romain Suinat. Suinat, an avid photographer who works for the Office of Institutional Advancement, was one of the winners of the South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation’s (SoBRO) photo contest, which asked photographers of all levels to submit photos and stories that captured the essence of the neighborhoods of the South Bronx.

September is National Preparedness Month. As New Yorkers, we have experienced and learned that New York City is vulnerable to all types of disasters both natural and man-made. These disasters can impact the campus in profound ways.

September

Students and alumni looking to explore various employment possibilities are encouraged to attend Career Service’s Job & Internship Fest on Friday, September 16, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., in the Savoy Multipurpose Room. Attendees can apply for internships, part-time and full-time opportunities, as well as volunteer opportunities.

August

Hostos is pleased to announce that Kristopher Burrell, an Assistant Professor in the Behavioral & Social Sciences Department, was awarded a CUNY Community College Grant to help research and write an article titled, “Black Women Activist-Intellectuals and the Struggle for Quality Education, 1954-1965.”

Hostos Community College was in the spotlight as The New York League of Puerto Rican Women, Inc., recognized President Dr. David Gómez with its annual “Man of the Year” award at is College Awards Gala Dinner Dance.

Hostos was the place to be on August 26, as rappers and proud Bronx natives Fat Joe and Remy Ma, along with representatives from TIDAL, held a video release event for their new single, “Cookin,” in our Main Theater!

On August 16, Hostos students in CUNY’s Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) visited the United National General Hall as participants in the International Young Leaders Assembly’s 9th annual Global Summit. Titled, “Moral and Innovative Leadership for Sustainable Development: Vision, Service, and Entrepreneurship,” the program forged lasting connections with various leaders both nationally, and globally, as well as skills sets necessary to create sustainable change in their communities and society.

Four Hostos administrators were treated to an educational and culturally engaging experience this summer, as part of the College’s annual Professional Development and Study Abroad Program in the Dominican Republic. The three-week program started in in New York City from June 10 to the 24 and continued in the Dominican Republic from June 29 to July 9.

The Caimans women's volleyball and men's soccer teams start their fall 2016 seasons on Aug. 25 and Aug. 26, respectively, and both are coached by some relatively familiar faces ready to take their teams to the next level.

On Aug. 9, the Savoy Multipurpose Room was transformed into a science and technology testing laboratory, as more than 100 students from Hostos’ “Proyecto Access STEP” participated in the annual Engineering Day and Closing Ceremony.

Hostos is proud to announce that Nydia Ocasio from our Alumni Relations Office serves as one of the main character-dancers in the new Netflix series, “The Get Down,” working alongside Jimmy Smits who plays a prominent club owner in the series.

On Aug. 9, Hostos saluted several student-parents who made the commitment to higher education, for themselves and their families, as part of the College’s “Two Generation Student Retention and Degree Acceleration Program.”

Two Hostos Dental Hygiene majors, Dailee Louis and Mehmouna Aslam, recently had their research published in the Dental Assistant Journal. The two seniors are the first dental hygiene students who have authored a manuscript that has been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Hostos students with toddlers and preschoolers between the ages of 2 and 4 are encouraged to visit the Hostos Children’s Center located on campus in A-Building - Room 109A as an option for their childcare needs.

August

On July 28, the Hostos family welcomed José Dios and Rafael “Ralph” Rivera-Viruet to the Hostos Community College Foundation during a special reception held in the Longwood Art Gallery. The event was attended by Hostos President David Gómez, Foundation Chairperson José A. Sánchez Kinghorn, and many other special guests and friends of the College.

July

Approximately 40 Hostos Fall 2016 freshmen took part in a day-long orientation on July 20 by the Student Success Coaching Unit. The goal of the day was to offer valuable information new students could use in and out of the classroom. Every entering first-time student is assigned a “coach” who will support that student until he or she graduates or transfers.

A group of 30 students enrolled in CUNY’s Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) at Hostos for Fall 2016 participated in the annual “ASAP Summer Institute” orientation program on July 6, where they learned tips for preparing for college and about the various resources on campus.

June

Six Hostos students became academic all-stars when they each received $5,000 scholarships from Yankees’ slugger Carlos Beltrán at the Third Annual Carlos Beltrán Foundation Gala held on June 22 at Gotham Hall.

June

Ever since Ivy Mensah was a little girl living in Ghana in West Africa, she wanted to be a nurse. Later, when she became a mother and moved to the United States, it became her mission. A mission she is close to completing.

For years, Charles Rice-Gonzalez has been active in the LGBT community in The Bronx and beyond. On June 8 at City Hall, the longtime Distinguished Lecturer from Hostos’ English Department was celebrated by members of New York City Council at its LGBT Pride Celebration.

Hostos Community College has received a $100,000 grant for Open Educational Resources (OER) that provide free, online textbooks and other materials for the College’s Early-Childhood Education associate degree program. The funding will provide substantial savings to students, as well as enhance classroom curriculum.

On June 10, Hostos Community College President David Gómez, representing CUNY and the John Jay “Prison to College Pipeline” partnership, joined fellow higher education leaders from across the nation in Washington, D.C., to launch the Obama Administration’s “Fair Chance Higher Education Pledge.”

On February 4, Hostos students, faculty and staff welcomed former student Pedro Alvarez, who shared advice and expertise in business and real estate during a wildly successful Alumni Speaker Bureau event.

This year, the Hostos Honors program — led by Co-directors, Professor Cynthia Jones and Professor Ernest Ialongo, and Program Coordinator, Karina Castro — took nine members of the Hostos Community College Honors Program to the Northeast Regional Honors Council (NRHC) Conference. Held from March 31 to April 3 in Cambridge, MA, the theme was Migration, and honors students from across the Northeast region examined that concept as they explored ways to encourage undergraduate honors learning.

Over the last few weeks, three Hostos academic programs celebrated their 2016 graduates with special pinning ceremonies. Led by Dr. Charles I. Drago, Professor and Chairperson of Allied Health Sciences Department, a total of 94 students received certifications and academic pins.

May

Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of The City University of New York is proud to announce it will confer degrees to its largest number of graduates in the College’s history on Thursday, June 2, 2016, at 3:00 p.m., at New York City Center.

On May 20, Hostos’ Department of Public Safety recognized the contributions of officers across the nation, as well as those who patrol the campus, during its annual salute to National Peace Officer Memorial Day.

Hostos student Josué Agustin Advincola won “Best Hostos Film” at the 2nd Annual “Dum-D Student Animation Festival” this past weekend. Advincola spent an entire year working on the film under the mentorship of award-winning animation director and co-creator of Lizzie McGuire, Debra Solomon. The film was hand drawn digitally frame by frame—5,000 frames in all—on a Wacom tablet using Photoshop.

On May 16, Hostos President Dr. David Gómez was one of the honorees at the Fourth Annual McSilver Awards dinner at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The 2016 McSilver Awards, part of the McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research within New York University Silver School of Social Work, recognized outstanding individuals who are “Transforming Systems” to address the needs of individuals, families, and communities living in poverty, locally and globally.

Thanks to the dedicated staff at the Hostos Health and Wellness Center, the campus celebrated Denim Day for the first time in the A-Atrium on May 3 through various art pieces created by students and with the help of Adjunct Lecturer Alida Camacho. While the international day that encourages people to wear denim in order to raise awareness of rape and sexual assault is traditionally held on April 27, Hostos held the event a week later to allow students returning from Spring Break to participate.

With the lingering topic of ethnic relations and immigration, the nation remains divided on how to better assist and protect U.S. borders. As a recurring topic in this year's presidential debate the controversial issue has sparked a broader conversation on how to better address racial relations and the like.

Hostos Community College celebrated two years of the Title V grant, showcasing work produced by faculty, staff and students. The Title V grant was awarded to Hostos Community College in 2014 by the U.S. Department of Education.

Telemundo featured Hostos' Single Stop FREE tax service, which is administered with the help of ARIVA, on April 18. More than 1,200 students, as well as alumni and family, have benefitted from this service since January.

On April 2, 2016, News 12 Bronx paid a visit to Hostos Community College for the first “Boro-Linc” family concert. Thanks to a new partnership between the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture and Lincoln Center, members of the New York Philharmonic performed a special free concert for children and families.

On March 24, the Career Services Office at Hostos held a large “Hire a Caiman” job fair in the gymnasium. The large employment and internship event attracted 60 employers from around New York City and Pennsylvania, and more than 200 Hostos students and alumni took advantage of the opportunity to test the job market.

On April 6, BronxNet’s OPEN program sat down with the administrators of Hostos’ CUNY Fatherhood Academy (CFA).
CFA, a program of the NYC Young Men’s Initiative (YMI), is a free, 16-week high school equivalency and college preparatory program for resident New York City fathers ages 18 to 24.

Five Hostos Community College students and three alumni were honored in April at the Third Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony of the Juan Bosch Foundation USA, held at Alianza Dominicana Cultural Center Inc.

Hostos Community College finished No.1 among mid-sized community colleges in a national survey on technology capabilities and initiatives. Conducted by the Center for Digital Education, the Digital Community Colleges Survey Awards honor institutions that are using technology to improve how they deliver curriculum and services.

The Hostos Center for Bronx Nonprofits (CBNP) has been very busy since it launched in 2012. Through various workshops, trainings, and resource sharing, it built a solid network of partners dedicated to helping the 2,500 registered nonprofits keep The Bronx strong.

March

Hostos Community College is one of two CUNY campuses participating in the expansion of the successful CUNY Fatherhood Academy (CFA), a program of the NYC Young Men’s Initiative (YMI). Hostos was recently awarded $441,425 to help young fathers prepare for and enroll in college and/or training programs. CFA target participants are Black and Latino fathers, ages 18–24, from New York City.

Hostos students shared their literary expertise on March 15 during the wildly popular Student Dramatic Reading Contest.
Offered by the College’s English Club as a way to promote literary education, the event has been held at the College since 1998. This annual event regularly fills the Savoy Multi-Purpose Room to capacity and this year was no different.

It was a very busy day on the Bridge on March 17, as Hostos encouraged healthy living during its annual Wellness Festival, alongside the first-ever “Thank You Thursday” event, a day which students had an opportunity to thank those who have supported their educational journeys.

To celebrate the accomplishments of Hostos faculty and offer a venue for networking and sharing research, the Hostos Grants Office and Senate Grants Committee celebrated “Research Day” on the Bridge on March 18.

Hostos Community College is pleased to announce that faculty member Dr. Yoel Rodríguez, an Associate Professor in the Physical Sciences Unit, has earned a prestigious Fulbright Award for 2016-17 that will allow him to expand his research in the Slovak Republic.

The Black Studies Unit at Hostos organized several Black History Month events in February under a unifying theme, “Sankofa in the Bronx,” to show how the social, political, and cultural contributions of African diaspora communities contributed to the development of New York’s northernmost borough.

With the United States focused on the 2016 election, as well a number of other issues on the table, Hostos enjoyed a timely and educational visit from U.S. Representative Congressman José E. Serrano from the 15th District on March 9.

Hostos Community College celebrated both International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month with a very special guest on March 8, as Iris Morales, a longtime New York City activist, educator and producer of the documentary, “¡Pa’lante, Siempre Pa’lante: The Young Lords!” visited the campus for a spirited lecture.

On February 29, Hostos Welcomed High-Ranking Dominican-American U.S. Government Appointed Officials, Community Leaders, And Other Special Guests For An Event That Celebrated Both Dominican Heritage Month And The Entrepreneurship Spirit At A Breakfast Meeting Titled, “Creating And Expanding Opportunities For Small Business.”

March

On Wednesday, March 2, Hostos Community College President Dr. David Gómez Joined Educators Across The Nation In Honoring The Birthday Of Theodor Seuss Geisel, Who Wrote Children’s Books Under The Pen Name Dr. Seuss. Dr. Gómez Visited The Hostos Children’s Center To Honor This Timeless Author By Reading Dr. Seuss Books And Connecting With The Youngsters.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture (HCAC) presents Momma’s Hip Hop Kitchen (MHHK) for its ninth annual showcase at the Center on Saturday March 5, 2:30 p.m., in the Main Theater.

Thanks to a new partnership between the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, based at Hostos Community College/ CUNY, and Lincoln Center, members of the New York Philharmonic will perform a special free concert for children and families on Saturday, April 2, 2016, as part of Lincoln Center’s expanded Boro-Linc program.

February

Hostos Community College has joined 16 other campuses from The City University of New York (CUNY) campuses to be recognized with a “2016 Military Friendly® School” title. CUNY is also the first public university system acknowledged with this distinction this year.

Once again, the Hostos Community College Caimans shined at the NJCAA Division III awards banquet on Thursday, February 18, as men’s head basketball coach Marquee Poole earned Community College Coach of the Year honors; Jefferson Francois, a forward on the men’s basketball team won Player of the Year; and Corina Coles, a guard, earned Rookie of the Year for her stellar play on the women’s basketball team.

One current and one former Hostos student, Jose Deschamps and Rabiat Ajao, respectively, will be honored in front of legislators and other guests in Albany on March 8 by the USA TODAY Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Academic Awards.

Two Hostos Student Leadership Academy students, Yunerys Liriano and Willy Baez Lara, along with Jason Libfeld, the College’s Student Leadership Coordinator, will travel to Colorado for the National Character and Leadership Symposium at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs on February 25 and 26.

February

American History is composed of the lives of millions of people searching for freedom and opportunity. It draws upon many different cultures and countries. The one experience common to all is that of struggle: to make a living, to enjoy one’s rights, to be acknowledged for one’s contributions to the life and welfare of the United States.

In 1926, the Association for the Study of African American Life---then known as the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History---established Negro History Week in mid-February. There was nothing random about the choice of month: February marks the birthdays of both Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In the 90 years since, Negro History Week has been transformed into African American History Month. Under any name, however, this event, first envisioned by Carter G. Woodson and Jesse Moorland, has become a cornerstone of our celebration of diversity.

This week’s edition of EdCast, featuring host and Hostos English Professor, Linda Hirsch, examines Cuba and the future of education, as it posed the question: “Can Cuba maintain its international position in the forefront of literacy education?”

The Community Health Club at Hostos stepped in to help the Path Homeless Family Shelter through a toy drive for homeless children and their families, as more than 80 gifts were collected for boys and girls that were distributed on Christmas Day.

Hostos Community College is proud to announce that three students were awarded the Guttman Transfer Scholarship for Spring 2016. The students were: Dionel Del Orbe (Civil Engineering), Ashly Dominguez (Liberal Arts and Science), and Wendy Fernandez (Electrical Engineering).

December

Hostos Community College is spreading a lot of cheer in many difference ways in December. The College hosted events that celebrated important holidays and gave thanks to donors, who are helping to provide educational opportunities for all.

Hostos Community College's Department of Public Safety is pleased to announce that it was recently named an official New York City 2016 Partner in Preparedness by the Office of Emergency Management after demonstrating an earnest and informed commitment to keeping the campus safe.

November

Hostos Distinguished Professor Isaac Goldemberg has been awarded the 2015 PEN Club of Peru Award in recognition of his work as a novelist, poet, playwright and essayist and for his many important contributions to Peruvian letters and, by extension, to the definition of Peruvian identity.

On November 4, the Hostos A-Atrium was filled to capacity for the unveiling of Las Casitas Archvies, the collection of art and remnants that celebrate working class homes, which remain a vital expression of Afro-Puerto Rican culture in the diaspora.

For four days beginning on November 20, Hostos professor and celebrated artist Ian Charles Scott will have his work displayed in an exhibit at the Park Avenue Armory. Located at 643 Park Avenue, the venue has been home to the work of such important artists as Marcel Duchamp and Pablo Picasso.

October

Hostos Community College is one of two CUNY campuses participating in the expansion of the successful CUNY Fatherhood Academy (CFA), a program of the NYC Young Men’s Initiative (YMI). Hostos was recently awarded $441,425 to help young fathers prepare for and enroll in college and/or training programs. CFA target participants are Black and Latino fathers, ages 18–24, from New York City.

Home is where the heart is, and that love will be on full display at Hostos Community College through a special collaborative exhibition honoring the casitas of Puerto Rico and showcasing the materials from Las Casitas: An Urban Cultural Alternative, created in 1991 by the Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) Longwood Arts Project now located on the Hostos campus.

Five participants in the College Opportunity to Prepare for Employment (COPE) program at Hostos Community College (CUNY) with a passion for giving back have been awarded competitive Mitsui USA Scholarships for the 2015-2016 academic year.

Developmental education sometimes requires a teaching “outside the box” approach. By offering real world examples to students who require more support, even technical subjects like mathematics can be absorbed more easily.

“What better place is there to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month than Hostos Community College?” That question came from Hostos President Dr. David Gómez, as the College launched its month-long celebration by recognizing important Latino leaders on September 15.

Hostos Community College’s Division for Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) has been awarded a five-year, $10.7 million Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to operate its Allied Health Career Pipeline Program.

October

Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture and Hostos Repertory Company are proud to announce the New York City premiere of the theatrical production ofHenry’s Law, an important and timely play about bullying by Stacie Lents.

On September 26, members of the Hostos family participated and hosted a closing ceremony for the 15th Annual NYC Gladys Ricart and Victims of Domestic Violence Memorial Walk, also known as “Brides’ March.”

William Nunez, a second-year student at Hostos Community College, has had a long-standing interest in nutrition, and was conscious of health issues because of diabetes in his family. I met William during a recent visit to the College, where the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund is supporting the start-up of a new Food Studies program. Although he is a theater major, he was intrigued when he heard about the new program, and he wanted to be a part of the pilot class.

On Sept. 3, 2015, Hostos’ Career Services and the Division of Continuing Education welcomed students and alumni to the Job & Internship Fest to kick-off the fall semester. The event attracted 38 employers and 154 students and former students to the Savoy Multipurpose Room.

September

Hostos Distinguished Professor Isaac Goldemberg from the Humanities Department has published three new works: Remember the Scorpion; Dialoghi con me e con i miei altri/ Diálogos conmigo y mis otros;” and Chepén, madre de arena. These titles were all published in 2015 and represent the latest works of one of Peru’s most renowned poets and fiction writers.

On behalf of the Eugenio María de Hostos Community College Foundation, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making the 10th Annual Scholarship Golf Outing at Pelham and Split Rock Golf Courses a complete success.

On Sept. 3, Hostos’ Career Services and the Division of Continuing Education held its first annual Job
& Intern Fest in the Savoy Multipurpose Room that attracted 38 employers and 154 students and former students.

Hostos hosted a breakfast before the 2015 Bronx Dominican Day Parade on July 27. Pictured from left to right are Victor Rivera, 1199SEIU Vice President, Ana I. García Reyes, Hostos Associate Dean and Director of Community Affairs; David Gómez, Hostos President; Eddy Bayardelle, Vice President for Institutional Advancement for Bronx Community College; and Ricardo Fernandez, President of Lehman College.

August

Hostos Community College’s Center for Bronx Nonprofits (CBNP) and BronxNet Television have partnered for a new television program aimed at informing the community about the nonprofit organizations that play such a crucial role in the daily lives of Bronxites.

Hostos Community College’s Alumni Relations Office held a special event on Friday, August 7, at Yankee Stadium. Hostos alumna Lina Cruz, now the Coordinator for Latino Affairs for the New York Yankees, worked to secure 50 tickets for the game for alumni to enjoy a night out and to reconnect with their Hostos family.

Hostos alumni Haile Rivera has stayed very busy since earning his AAS Degree in Public Policy & Administration in 2003. In addition to pursuing higher education degrees, he has worked with several prominent elected officials in all levels of government, including serving on President Obama's Transition Team in Washington, DC.

Pursuing higher education goals often requires sacrifice, both in time and finances. This commitment was celebrated on August 4, when the accomplishments of 47 Hostos students were recognized at the second annual Student Financial Literacy and Retention Program Celebration.

In 2014, Hostos Community College recognized the importance of supporting student-parents and the power of summer classwork. Thanks to a $50,000 from the Aspen Institute Ascend Fund, a new pilot summer program was born.

Fall 2015 is just around the corner, and Hostos has a lot of great new educational materials. One great video available for viewing provides a glimpse into the somewhat difficult and complicated world of street vending. Titled, “Judith: Portrait of a Street Vendor,” the independent film was the subject of a special screening at the College on May 4, 2015, hosted by the Center for Bronx Nonprofits (CBNP).

On June 17, Almanzar was at the CUNY Graduate Center accepting a Peter Jennings Scholarship Laurel Award. The scholarships are named in honor of Peter Jennings, the Anchor of ABC’s World News Tonight, who died in 2005 at age 67.

July

Governor Andrew Cuomo visited Hostos on Thursday, July 16, with other elected officials and labor leaders to sign legislation to protect and support nail salon workers and to announce a statewide task force to combat worker exploitation and abuse.

With a shortage of fresh fruit and vegetables being a major concern for Bronxites who are looking to live more healthy lifestyles, Hostos partnered with GrowNYC to open a large farmers market at the College.

June

Hostos’ Department of Public Safety is not only respected citywide for the incredible job it does keeping the campus safe; it is also well known for treating each and every person who visits the campus with a level of respect unrivaled in the law enforcement community.

The Board of Trustees of The City University of New York has appointed Dr. David Gómez, a distinguished academic leader, teacher and experienced administrator, as the President of Hostos Community College. Dr. Gómez has served as Interim President of Hostos for the past year.

June

Commencement season is a special time at Hostos Community College. It is a time when we get to bask in our students' accomplishments, share their excitement, and take pride in the fact that we had a hand in their development.

Thanks to the hard work of the Leadership Academy (HLA) and the Student Government Association (SGA), as well as other student organizations, Hostos Community College has become synonymous with community service in and around the Bronx.

No matter where you are, May is for Mother’s Day. And as a way to recognize and celebrate some very special women and their families, CUNY in the Heights held a special Día de las Madres event on May 28.

On May 8, Hostos was home to the 2015 Bronx CUNY EdTech Showcase. Titled, “Beyond Higher Education: Technology & Community," the educational technology summit brought together the three Bronx CUNY colleges (Lehman, Bronx CC, and Hostos CC) for a day-long event to discuss classroom technology trends and best practices. Held each May, this event promotes networking, collaborating, sharing technical information, and building effective practices within the CUNY community.

On June 4, during two special Commencement Ceremonies, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of the City University of New York conferred degrees to 991 graduates in the College’s Main Theater. The 44th Commencement Ceremony represented the largest graduating class in Hostos’ 47-year history.

On May 8, Hostos was home to the 2015 Bronx CUNY EdTech Showcase. Titled, “Beyond Higher Education: Technology & Community," the educational technology summit brought together the three Bronx CUNY colleges (Lehman, Bronx CC, and Hostos CC) for a day-long event to discuss classroom technology trends and best practices. Held each May, this event promotes networking, collaborating, sharing technical information, and building effective practices within the CUNY community.

Herve Fossou moved to New York City in 2010, wanting to see what kind of life he could build in the United States. Now, the 40-year-old, who emigrated from the Ivory Coast in West Africa, is busy building a better and healthier world for those around him.

Hostos Community College celebrated dedication and determination on June 5 when it saluted 120 students who earned their High School Equivalency (HSE) diplomas in 2014 and 2015 during an inspirational event.

As it does each year, Hostos’ extended family helped prepare the latest group of graduates in style at the Salute to Graduates Orientation and Celebration and the 8th Annual Cooperative Education Program Ceremony.

May

Part of many Bronx Week activities, Bronx Health Day received a big boost from Hostos students and staff on May 15. Sponsored by the Bronx Borough President’s office, the goal was encouraging the residents to be more physically active and to commit to living healthier lifestyles.

As a way to highlight Hostos’ successful engineering graduates, and to keep the bonds strong with alumni and the Hostos family, the first-ever Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Chemical Engineering Programs’ Alumni Reunion was held on May 7 in the A-Atrium.

Hostos Dental Hygiene students are as dedicated to health issues as they are to their studies and patients. This commitment was on full display on April 22, when 20 students, both senior and freshmen, participated in a public smoking cessation event at the A- atrium called “Kick Butts Day.”

Last night, we celebrated Hostos Community College’s collective mission at our annual 2015 Scholarship Benefit. Through the support of the entire extended Hostos family, we are thrilled to announce that the evening was a complete and total success!

Nine socially conscious Hostos students took a look in the mirror, then turned it toward the outside world as they explored women’s health issues as part of a “participatory action research project.” This socially conscious experiment, or “PAR,” was then turned into a unique exhibit of photos and text, which will be on display at Hostos Community College from May 5 through May 22.

Nine socially conscious Hostos students took a look in the mirror, then turned it toward the outside world as they explored women’s health issues as part of a “participatory action research project.” This socially conscious experiment, or “PAR,” was then turned into a unique exhibit of photos and text, which will be on display at Hostos Community College from May 5 through May 22.

Isamar Garrido-Rodríguez, a Chemical Engineering student at Hostos, won a second-place prize in the 2014 CUNY Nobel Science Challenge. The competition is for CUNY undergraduate students, and it entails writing a 1,000-1,500-word essay about scientific concepts, which must also make the science accessible to the lay person.

Nine socially conscious Hostos students took a look in the mirror, then turned it toward the outside world as they explored women’s health issues as part of a “participatory action research project.” This socially conscious experiment, or “PAR,” was then turned into a unique exhibit of photos and text, which will be on display at Hostos Community College from May 5 through May 22.

In 2012, Hostos Launched Its Alumni Speakers Bureau To Reconnect Graduates With The College Through Public Speaking Events. These Motivational Speeches Have Been Particularly Successful In Showing Students What Can Be Accomplished With A College Degree. They Have Also Provided A Chance For Alumni To Remain Connected To Hostos’ Extended Family.

Hostos student and members of the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) Karaby Mitchell won the second-place prize in the “Cell and Molecular Biology” category at the 23rd Annual CSTEP Statewide Student Conference, during the weekend of April 17 at the Sagamore Resort on Lake George, Bolton Landing, NY.

The Hostos Joint Dual Degree Engineering Program and the Physics Club partnered to organize a field trip for a group of 25 Hostos students science and engineering to tour PepsiCo Global R&D in Valhalla, New York, on April 17. Onna Burleson, the principal engineer, welcomed Hostos students warmly.

The Hostos Joint Dual Degree Engineering Program and the Physics Club partnered to organize a field trip for a group of 25 Hostos students science and engineering to tour PepsiCo Global R&D in Valhalla, New York, on April 17. Onna Burleson, the principal engineer, welcomed Hostos students warmly.

Thanks to a wonderful collaboration between Hostos faculty, The City College of New York, and one of New York City’s most respected law firms, four former Hostos students, Eric Stewart, Avery Toledo, Michael Cruz, and Lizette Carter, have been accepted into the prestigious Skadden Arps Legal Studies Honors Program.

Hostos Professor Linda Hirsch has helped to bring a Hostos and CUNY program to the world stage. Hirsch, along with Dennis Paoli from Hunter College, contributed a piece about the Writing Across The Curriculum (WAC) program in the web-based book, Writing Programs Wordwide.

In April, Hostos Associate Professor of Chemistry and Unit Coordinator-Natural Sciences Department, Nelson Nuñez-Rodríguez, embarked on a three-month world tour, lecturing on best teaching practices at the National University of Costa Rica, the National University of Bogotá, and the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid.

As part of a wonderful highlight to Women’s History Month at Hostos Community College, the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture held an event on March 25 honoring the life and work of award-winning author, Nicholasa Mohr, and the 40th Anniversary of her book, El Bronx Remembered.

April

On March 20, the Career Services Office at Hostos held a large “Hire a Caiman” job fair in the gymnasium. The large employment event attracted 58 employers from around New York City and Pennsylvania, and more than 200 Hostos students and alumni took advantage of the opportunity to test the job market.

Hostos Professor Dr. Mohammad Sohel has received a faculty fellowship from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), based on a research proposal on the “Influence of shell thickness on the charge transfer rates, charge separation and recombination (blinking) from QDs to metal oxide using confocal photoluminescence time-resolved microscopy.”

The Office of the President, the Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development, and The Center for Bronx Nonprofits (CBNP) of Eugenio María de Hostos Community College presented its Center’s Strategic Plan 2014-2017: Supporting Nonprofit Capacity in the Bronx on March 26 in the Hostos Café. Since Spring 2014, more than 100 community leaders from the academic, government, private industry, and nonprofit sector provided ideas for this multi-year plan.

As Hostos Community College’s Media Design Program continues to grow and attract more students, it received a huge boost when Shawn “Jay Z” Carter and Tidal executive, Vania Schlogel, visited the College on April 1, 2015, to discuss the state of the music industry and Carter’s new venture.

March

Hostos Assistant Professor of English Lou Bury has written his first book, Exercises in Criticism: The Theory and Practice of Literary Constraint, and the former professional poker player is gambling readers will enjoy its unique subject matter just as much as he enjoyed writing it.

Several distinguished authors will “cross borders” as part of a multimedia event on April 16, at 5 p.m., at Pregones Theatre in the South Bronx to talk about their contributions to the Hostos Review/ Revista Hostosiana (Issue No. 11): Stirred Ground: Non-fiction Writing by Contemporary Latina and Latin American Women Authors, edited by Hostos Humanities Professor, Inmaculada Lara-Bonilla.

On March 28, District 8 Immigrant Service Network held an Immigrant Service Network Resource Fair in the Hostos Café. To support the event, members of the Hostos Domestic Violence Empowerment Program (DoVE), including DoVE Coordinator, Alida Camacho, and DoVE Counselor, Michael Williams, as well as Hostos students, participated in providing an informational session about the College’s services.

On March 26, the Hostos Repertory Company premiered the play, I am an Emotional Creature, in the Black Box Theater. The play is the work of Tony Award-winning playwright, performer and activist, Eve Ensler, who is also the author of the international phenomenon, The Vagina Monologues.

On March 20, Hostos Professor Julie Bencosme of the Dental Hygiene Unit, in collaboration with the Hispanic Dental Association, held an educational event on the Hostos Bridge to mark World Oral Health Day (WOHD). The focus was to create awareness of the oral health disparity issues in the world.

Since 2014, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College has had the privilege of being included in the 2015 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence selection process. This is no small accomplishment, and it was possible because of the hard work of students, staff, faculty, administrators, and the College's extended family of supporters.

On March 18, Hostos Community College welcomed Seattle University Professor of Law, Carmen González, who spoke about the obstacles women of color encounter in the workplace, particularly in academia. Professor González is the co-editor of the critically acclaimed book, Presumed Incompetent: The Intersections of Race and Class for Women in Academia, which examines the persistence of race, gender, class and other forms of bias in academia and the strategies to create a more welcoming and inclusive campus climate.

Over 180 Dominican-Americans from across the country gathered in Washington D.C. for a White House policy briefing to learn more about President Obama's priorities and ways to partner with the Administration. It was a full day of briefings for Dominican American leaders who came to Washington, DC from all over the nation.

Five members of the Hostos Student Leadership Academy—three current students and two graduates—testified at a hearing on President Barack Obama’s “America’s College Promise” before the New York City Council and the Higher Education Committee led by Councilmember Inez Barron on February 23.

The Hostos Community College men’s basketball team is excited to be headed to the NJCAA D-III Tournament after winning Region XV on March 1. The Caimans are now only three wins away from their second national title since 2005.

On March 11, four Hostos professors, Olga Steinberg, Kristopher Burrell, Sarah Church, and Heidi Bollinger, participated in a panel for faculty and staff focused on their experiences writing successful grant proposals. Professors on the panel represented work in the disciplines of natural sciences, history, education, and literature.

The Office of the President, The Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development, and The Center for Bronx Nonprofits (CBNP) of Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of The City University of New York (CUNY) held an official function on Thursday, March 26 at 6:00 p.m. to present The Center’s Strategic Plan 2014-2017: Supporting Nonprofit Capacity in the Bronx (450 Grand Concourse, 3rd Floor).

March

Nipa Dey and Maryam Saqib are Hostos alumnae. But what makes them particularly special is that they are the first two women to graduate from the Hostos’ Dual Degree Engineering Program with The City College of New York’s Grove School of Engineering.

The Institutional Advancement Division is pleased to announce that the 2011–13 President's Report won a Gold award in the Annual Report category of the 30th Annual Education Advertising Awards competition sponsored by Higher Education Marketing Report.

Hostos Community College is thrilled to announce that Linda Ridley is one of only 16 professors worldwide to receive a CASE Centre Writing Scholarship for 2015. Ridley, who has been teaching business courses at Hostos since 2012, is also representing just one of three U.S. universities or colleges this year.

The Institutional Advancement Division is pleased to announce that the 2011–13 President's Report won a Gold award in the Annual Report category of the 30th Annual Education Advertising Awards competition sponsored by Higher Education Marketing Report.

Seny Taveras, the Executive Director of CUNY in the Heights, received a LatinTRENDS Magazine’s Latino Trendsetter Award on February 2 during LatinTRENDS 13th annual award reception held at Symphony Space.

Seny Taveras, the Executive Director of CUNY in the Heights, received a LatinTRENDS Magazine’s Latino Trendsetter Award on February 2 during LatinTRENDS 13th annual award reception held at Symphony Space.

Hostos associate professor Marcella Bencivenni, who has taught history at Hostos since 2004, has been awarded a Distinguished CUNY Fellowship for the Spring 2016 semester for her book project titled Italian Immigration, The Triangle Fire, and the Politics of Memory.

Hostos professor and celebrated artist, Ian Charles Scott, has published a book about his career, which spans decades and two continents. Titled, Ian Charles Scott: The Shape of the Being: Portrait Project, the book is divided into distinct “chapters” that document his artistic career beginnings in Scotland through his time in New York City.

Internationally acclaimed saxophonist/composer Miguel Zenón comes to the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture at Hostos Community College on Friday, March 20 for a performance celebrating his recent CD Identities are Changeable, a groundbreaking project focusing on the cultural identity of the Puerto Rican community in NYC.

From January 20 through the 24 the Hostos Student Leadership Academy (SLA) and the Alpha Kappa Tau Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa National Honors Society (PTK) joined in the National Day of Service to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through a series of volunteer activities at two facilities in upper-Manhattan and the Bronx. These facilities are working diligently to help eradicate hunger in our neighborhoods by providing nourishing and healthy food to residents who express a need.

February

The Hostos Division of Continuing Education & Workforce Development (CEWD) has been awarded a $100,000 grant for the Unemployed Worker Training Program through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) process created by Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC). This grant will be overseen and supported by the New York State Department of Labor, a financial contributor to the CFA process.

January

Hostos Associate Professor Olga Steinberg has been selected by the board of the American Association of Microbiology (ASM) to serve in the “The Leaders Inspiring Networks and Knowledge” (LINK) Steering Committee.

Hostos Community College’s Career Services Office is constantly looking to improve and expand its resources to better serve both students and the community. Now, the Office has bolstered its services through the power of the Internet with “Career Coach,” a free online tool which allows users to explore potential careers throughout New York City and the nation.

The City University of New York (CUNY) Office of Special Programs, along with Hostos and the other community colleges of the College Discovery Program, held a 50th Anniversary Gala on December 12 at the CUNY Graduate Center.

December

The Hostos Alumni Relations and Career Services offices, along with the Wellness Center and Professor Lizette Colón, teamed up to organize a seminar for future Hostos graduates on how to prepare for today’s job market.

Today, Hostos Community College and Interim President David Gómez will join President Obama, the First Lady, and Vice President Biden along with hundreds of college presidents and other higher education leaders to announce new actions to help more students prepare for and graduate from college.

Eleven members of the Hostos Student Leadership Academy (SLA) joined forces with 15 students from the Lehman L.I.F.E. (Leaders Involved For Everyone) program and three students from Fordham University to plant bulbs and restore flowerbeds in Joyce Kilmer Park on 161st Street between Walton Avenue and the Grand Concourse on November 15.

November

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) have named Hostos Community College English Department Lecturer Cynthia Jones the 2014 New York State Professor of the Year.

The Hostos Division for Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) was recently awarded a three-year federal grant of $595,636 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) Skills Training and Health Workforce Development of Paraprofessionals Program. This new funding complements the current Health Profession Opportunity Grants (HPOG) Allied Health Career Pipeline Program funded by the Administration for Children & Families.

The Hostos Repertory Company is pleased to announce the fall theatrical production of the new play, Young Hostos, written by Hostos alumnus, Michael Gabriel Torres ‘11 and directed by Hostos Professor Angel Morales.

On Sunday, October 28, 2014 during a ceremony that was part of the 8th Annual Dominican Book Fair in Manhattan, the leaders of La Fundación Joaquín Balaguer, announced they were donating a collection of books to Eugenio María de Hostos Community College.

The Latin American Writers Institute of Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of The City University of New York is pleased to announce that Spanish poet Fernando Valverde has been awarded the 2014 Latino Literature Prize for his collection of poems, La insistencia del daño (“The Insistence of Harm”), published by Visor in 2014.

October

The Hostos Commuinty College Women’s Volleyball Team won its second CUNYAC/Pepsi Community College Championship in seven years after beating the top-ranked Queensborough Tigers, 3-1 (25-19, 17-25, 26-24, 25-19), on Monday night.

October

James Sheehan’s Irish accent and clerical collar may set him apart a bit at Hostos Community College, but for 15 years his gospel of understanding and inclusiveness has helped people from all walks of life find peace together on their educational journey.

As Hostos Community College continues its yearlong celebration of the 175th birth date of Eugenio María de Hostos, the College welcomed a special guest on October 21 with the visit of internationally renowned artist Antonio Martorell, affectionately known throughout as, “Toño” Martorell.

Professor Scott traveled from Scotland, where he has been on sabbatical, to attend the “From Wick To Mott Haven: The Magic Realism of Ian Charles Scott” exhibit opening curated by Assistant Professor Sarah Sandman.

“I have returned to Hostos at a tremendous time. I am proud and honored to be back and experience first-hand how this important educational institution is thriving. This is mostly thanks to all the excellent work that you do,” Hostos Interim President President David Gómez speaking to the faculty during OAA’s fall reception held on Thursday, October 3.

As part of Archives Week in New York City, Hostos Community College Archivist and Assistant Professor William Casari will speak on October 7 at the New York City Department of Records and later in the week on October 11 he will speak at the Museum of Bronx History as part of the Bronx County Historical Society’s “Cultural Bridges” series.

Hostos Associate History Professor Marcella Bencivenni recently lent her vast knowledge of Italian history and immigration to the television show “Who Do You Think You Are.” Professor Bencivenni assisted actress Valerie Anne Bertinelli, who was searching for the story of her family who emigrated from Italy in 1915.

In this powerful piece Ramón Jiménez: A Community Honors a Lifetime of Achievement, Hostos Assistant Professor Howard Jordan describes an emotional and powerful gathering that took place at Hostos on September 20, that paid tribute to Ramón Jiménez, “a Harvard-trained lawyer, litigator, activist, writer, former administrative judge, and journalist.”

Earlier this year, it was announced that a $50,000 grant from the Aspen Institute Ascend Fund would allow Hostos to implement a pilot program called the Ascend Fund Summer Program; a national initiative that takes a “two-generation” approach to help families improve their lives.

October

There are over 54,000 homeless people in New York City today and about 23,000 are kids in families. Eighteen students from Eugenio María de Hostos’ College Now program participated in a summer program where they learned about the decision-making process for choosing sites for homeless shelters in New York City and why some boroughs have more homeless shelters than others.

From October 10 to 12, 2014, the Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture will present the 8th biennial celebration of Afro-Puerto Rican music and dance, BomPlenazo 2014 “(r) evolucionado,” which this year focuses on how the art forms have maintained their vibrancy and relevance into the 21st century.

Two outstanding graduates of Eugenio María de Hostos Community College’s dual degree engineering program with the Grove School of Engineering at City College stopped by Hostos on September 8th to reconnect with friends and give some encouragement to current students.

On June 30, the Ministry of Education of the Dominican Republic celebrated National Teachers’ Day with an awards ceremony. At this event, the Hon. Carlos Amarante Baret, Minister of Education, recognized three outstanding educators who participated in this year’s Hostos Teacher Training Study Abroad Program (TTSAP).

Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of The City University of New York has received a five-year, $2.6 million Title V grant award from the U.S. Department of Education to establish “ADELANTE,” a program designed to reinvigorate, enhance, and accelerate progress through the developmental sequence, as well as enhance college credit courses and expand faculty development and research immersion.

During the weekend of August 24-22, 2014, the Student Government Association (SGA) of Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of CUNY held its Twelfth Annual SGA Summer Retreat) at the Edith Macy Conference Center in Briarcliff, NY.

The Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture (HCAC) in partnership with the Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) presents painter Ian Charles Scott’s first solo exhibit in the Bronx, running September 15 through December 9 in the Main Gallery at the Longwood Art Gallery at Hostos Community College, 450 Grand Concourse in the Bronx.

August

Twenty-year-old Hostos Community College student Madlen Castro knows that by taking classes during the summer, she may have missed out on some fun. However, she also knows that you can’t get where you want to go in life without working hard and making a few sacrifices along the way.

Distinguished Professor Isaac Goldemberg is enjoying the splash of attention and venerated respect he has worked hard to earn in the last 40 years as author, novelist, poet, essayist, and chronicler of his Jewish-Peruvian heritage and history.

August

Through a $25,000 grant that was obtained from Colgate Palmolive by Professor Jo-Ann Rover of the Dental Hygiene faculty at Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of CUNY, dental hygiene students took part in a study to assess the anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis effects of Colgate Total toothpaste. Hostos was the first school to participate and conduct this research.

On July 25, 2014, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of CUNY will receive two grants as part of his CUNY 2020 initiative—$2.2 million for “Allied Health Training for Employment” and a portion of the $4.6 million allocated for a new multi-campus media program.

On July 25, 2014, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of CUNY will receive two grants as part of his CUNY 2020 initiative—$2.2 million for “Allied Health Training for Employment” and a portion of the $4.6 million allocated for a new multi-campus media program.

July

On July 25, 2014, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that Hostos Community College would receive two grants—$2.2 million for an “Allied Health Training for Employment” initiative and part of $4.6 million for a new multi-campus media program— as part of Governor Cuomo’s CUNY 2020 initiative.

Phipps Neighborhoods, Montefiore Health System and Hostos Community College recently announced a $1 million grant from JPMorgan Chase to support their Career Network: Healthcare partnership in the South Bronx. The goal of the employer-driven program is to secure employment and/or education for young adults through training and career exploration geared toward a healthcare-related field.

The 2013-2014 academic year at Eugenio María de Hostos Community College was one of continued growth and noteworthy accomplishments. As I complete my fifth year as president, I am thrilled to announce that Hostos graduated nearly 900 students, our second largest class to date.

Recognizing that every student’s academic journey is different, but every accomplishment is important and should be recognized, Hostos Community College has entered into an historic agreement with Lehman College and Bronx Community College.

On June 18, 2014, 112 students from the Adult Learning Center at Eugenio María de Hostos Community College received their high school equivalency diplomas. A determined woman who preceded them was honored at a special ceremony on the following day.

June

Four Eugenio María de Hostos Community College science students recently gained invaluable experience by participating in the nationwide Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Awards (IRACDA) Conference on Elevating Science and Education, which took place at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque from June 8 to June 14, 2014.

The prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship can be a passport to a bright future. Every year, 1,000 outstanding students receive these good-through-graduation scholarships that can be used at the college or university of their choice.

On June 25, 2014, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College alumna Ruby Bryan will receive the Caribbean American Healthcare Award from the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), proving conclusively that there is no expiration date on a dream.

On Monday, June 9, 2014, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College President Félix V. Matos Rodríguez presented at the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics (WHIEEH) educational symposium Postsecondary Access and Completion for All: Latina/os in America’s Future.

On June 3, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of The City University of New York (CUNY) held its 43rd Commencement Ceremony, which celebrated the accomplishments of nearly 900 graduates. This was the second-largest graduating class in the College’s 46-year history.

At its 2014 Community Leadership Award celebration on June 4th, the Citizens Union recognized Dr. Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, President of Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of CUNY, and other educational leaders for their roles in shaping the lives of young New Yorkers.

On May 21, 2014, the Alumni Relations, Career Services, Student Activities and Transfer Services offices collaborated to bring the Salute to Graduates Orientation & Celebration to provide soon to be graduates of Hostos with valuable information for their big day on June 3 and for their futures after graduation.

When Gisselle Belia came to the United States when she was 18 years, she did not speak English.
Settling in Paterson, New Jersey in 2008, she refused to impede her progress, and she quickly enrolled in ESL classes at Passaic Community College.

A benefit concert for the Grammy Award-winning Latin jazz flutist Dave Valentin will be presented in the Main Theater at the Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture on Tuesday, July 1, 7:30 PM. Entitled “Para Ti” (For You), the concert will feature an acclaimed array of Latin jazz artists including Eddie Palmieri, Arturo O’Farrill, Nicky Marrero and others.

June

Eugenio María de Hostos Community College is proud to announce that Chief Arnaldo Bernabe, our Director of Public Safety, was named by the Fund for The City of New York as one of six public servants who will receive the Sloan Public Service Award for 2014.

May

Celebrated annually throughout the nation on May 15, National Peace Officer Memorial Day honors federal, state and local officers who were killed or disabled in the line of duty. This holiday is observed in conjunction with Police Week.

Eugenio María de Hostos Community College is proud to announce that President Félix V. Matos Rodríguez has been selected to be part of Mayor Bill de Blasio's “Jobs for New Yorkers” task force. Over 25 leaders in both the supply and demand side of workforce development, along with top officials from the administration, compose the task force.

The College is dedicating 2014 to celebrating the 175th birthday of philosopher and educator Eugenio María de Hostos, our college’s namesake, with Hostos175. One of the celebrations was an essay contest where students were tasked with the goal of exploring any aspect of Hostos the man, his ideas, and his legacy.

If you walk into one of Professor Raymond Healey’s literature classes and discover that he is wielding a sword and donning a warrior’s helmet, do not be alarmed; he is simply preparing to defend the classics. He uses these props to maintain his students’ interest while keeping the lessons from these tales relevant today.

On April 22 Metropolitan Food Service Inc. initiated business as the College’s new food vendor and dining services management company. For more than 30 years, Metropolitan Food Service has been serving colleges and universities in and near New York City.

A group of 47 Hostos engineering students took a special ride on Friday April 25, 2014, when they visited Six Flags Great Adventure’s, physics, math, and science day, which takes place every spring exclusively dedicated to science students.

May

Eugenio María de Hostos Community College is pleased to announce that Humanities/Visual and Performing Arts Adjunct Assistant Professor Sol Miranda will join the cast of the new NBC Tina Fey and Robert Carlock’s Untitled Sitcom that will premier this fall.

April

Professor Francisco Fernández was born to teach. And while his work in education has taken him all over the globe, he will be the first to tell you that he was also probably born to teach at Eugenio María de Hostos Community College. During a recent Women’s History Month screening of the documentary film Maestra at the college, he revealed part of his incredible early education story to students, faculty and staff.

During the month of March, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College observes Women’s History Month with many cultural and other learning activities that celebrate the achievements of women throughout the world. For over a decade, these annual celebrations have been organized by Dr. Jerilyn Fisher, Coordinator of Women’s and Gender Studies and Professor in the English Department. Following are this year’s highlights.

Hostos Community College is pleased to announce that Mohammad A. Sohel, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Chemistry in the Natural Sciences Department has been awarded a faculty fellowship at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) in the Summer of 2014.

Educational study abroad programs allow students to leave their “safety zones” and learn in a different way and in a different place. But when it is not practical to travel to new countries or continents, the same results can be achieved by staying closer to home.

In the fall of 2012, after undertaking several college-wide initiatives that entailed extensive institutional reflection, the Office of the President and the Student Development and Enrollment Management Division took its student retention efforts to another level by establishing the Student Success Coaching Unit.

Eugenio María de Hostos Community College recognizes the importance of offering its students high-quality courses in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math). Moreover, Hostos encourages them to continue along these paths when they advance to a baccalaureate degree program.

On March 30th, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College was very well represented at Dominican Sunday’s closing celebration for Women’s History Month, which was held in collaboration with Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer.

Student-actor Ebrahim “Abe” Rasheed has practically become the face of the Hostos Repertory Company, the theatrical troupe at Eugenio María de Hostos Community College. After captivating audiences with his performances as “Max Forrestal” in Song of Extinction by EM Lewis and “Jules” in boom! by Peter Sinn Nachtrieb, he made a great impression at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe last summer with his charismatic portrayal of “Chet” in Rough Magic by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa.

March

Assistant Professor Kristopher Burrell of the Behavioral and Social Science Department at Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of CUNY will give a lecture at the Museum of the City of New York on Thursday, April 24, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Eugenio María de Hostos Community College students and faculty members played key roles at the 6th Annual Health Disparities Conference, which was held at Teachers College, Columbia University, on March 7 and 8.

March

On March 13, in an event that combined the spirit of philanthropy and family, the Hostos
Community College Foundation awarded Josephine Aguado Scholarship Awards to six students,
all of whom are single mothers.

A celebration of Dominican Heritage Month was held at the V Centenario Restaurant on February 21. Hostos Foundation Board member Cira Angeles and Associate Dean Ana García Reyes were recognized for their exemplary commitment and outstanding service to the community.

While the Hostos men’s basketball team was able to overcome a tough Kingsborough Wave defense Friday afternoon to capture its first Region XV Tournament win in close to a decade, the team fell short in the semifinal game against the rival Sullivan Generals on Saturday. But despite falling short of a Region XV championship, the Caimans had a very successful 2013-14 campaign, including having several players on both the men’s and women’s teams named to the Region XV All-Star Teams.

More than a year after Hurricane Sandy, over 200 families have not been able to return to their homes on the Rockaway Peninsula. To lend a helping hand, personnel of the Alumni Relations Office at Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of CUNY, the College’s Student Ambassadors, and members of the Leadership Academy joined forces with Friends of Rockaway on February 22 to help the O’Connor family rebuild their home, which had been devastated by the hurricane in October of 2012.

On February 26th, a crowd of over a hundred assembled at Columbia University’s Italian Academy for Advanced Studies in America for a roundtable discussion entitled “Futurism at the Guggenheim.” This event was organized and moderated by Dr. Ernest Ialongo, an assistant professor in the Behavioral and Social Sciences Department at Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of CUNY. Ialongo is Hostos’ resident expert on Italian history.

February

Two paintings by Ian Charles Scott will be on display in the Bronx Museum from March 5 to March 9. Scott is a professor in the visual arts program at Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of CUNY, and these works were selected by a curator for a special exhibition in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the New York Armory Show.

For the first time in six years, the Eugenio María de Hostos Community College men’s basketball team has won the CUNY Conference Championship (CUNYAC). On Friday, February 21, the Caimans defeated the three-time defending conference champion Bronx Community College Broncos in the title game, 78-72, running their record to 25-4 overall.

The Hostos Caimans men’s basketball team defeated Borough of Manhattan Community College, 86-70, Wednesday night to advance to tonight’s CUNYAC Championship Game against Bronx Community College. The game will be played at Kingsborough Community College at 8:30 p.m.

Eugenio María Hostos Community College of CUNY is pleased to announce that Associate Professor Salim Rayman, Coordinator of the College’s Dental Hygiene Department, has been appointed as a State Board Member of Dentistry for The New York State Education Department’s The Office of the Professions.

As Eugenio María de Hostos Community College continues to improve its ability to support students and better execute the institution’s mission, we are pleased to announce that five new members and three new officers have been appointed to the Hostos Foundation Board.

For the second consecutive year, the Hostos Community College men’s basketball has won the CUNY Athletic Conference regular season title. The No. 10-ranked Caimans beat Kingsborough Community College, 85-61, last week to help ensure the top seed in the upcoming CUNY Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Championship Tournament. The Caimans now stand with a record of 21-4 overall (17-4 Region XV and 10-0 CUNY). The Caimans are also riding a six-game winning streak.

February

For the second consecutive year, the Hostos Community College men’s basketball has won the CUNY Athletic Conference regular season title. The No. 10-ranked Caimans beat Kingsborough Community College, 85-61, last week to help ensure the top seed in the upcoming CUNY Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Championship Tournament. The Caimans now stand with a record of 21-4 overall (17-4 Region XV and 10-0 CUNY). The Caimans are also riding a six-game winning streak.

The four Advincola brothers who attend Hostos Community College—Esteban, Elias, Josué, and Carlos Ramón, Jr.—already have a built-in support system. However, they will be the first to tell you that they have also benefitted from the services of the College Discovery Program.

The Proyecto Access program at Hostos has recruited high-achieving women and minority students, as well as socially and economically disadvantaged middle and high schools students with special aptitude for math, science, engineering and related fields, to facilitate their learning and foster their interest in these fields.

Nearly every Hostos Community College student will need financial assistance to pay for their college education. That is why the Hostos Institutional Advancement Division has launched a pilot of its first-ever Online Scholarship Management System to assist all students—from enrolling freshmen, to returning students—who are looking for additional financial support.

January

Hostos Community College President Félix V. Matos Rodríguez joined a prestigious group of CEOs and other community and business leaders on January 31, 2014, at the White House for an important “Opportunity for All” summit, hosted by President Barack Obama aimed at helping the long-term unemployed.

On January 24, Hostos Community College’s Center for Bronx Non-Profits sponsored a town hall meeting to discuss the importance of healthy eating and having access to fresh foods. “The Challenges of Urban Food Systems” was the first in the Center’s Public Conversation Series of quarterly events that will focus on emerging paradigms in public policy and non-profit practice.

January

Recognized again as an important advocate and leader in higher education Eugenio María de Hostos Community College President Félix V. Matos Rodríguez has been named to New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito’s transition team. President Matos Rodríguez was also named to City Comptroller Scott Stringer’s Transition Committee this past November.

Making students understand the value of a dollar makes better students. And making better students who follow through on their commitment to higher education is what Hostos Community College is all about.

As the food industry continues to be a source of significant employment opportunities in the Bronx and around New York City, Hostos Community College is proud to announce several new programs aimed at keeping the Bronx moving forward.

During the months of November and December, some Dental Hygiene students at Eugenio María de Hostos Community College left the campus to participate in local events of national and international importance to the field of dentistry.

Hostos President Félix V. Matos Rodríguez was the keynote speaker at the New York City Police Department’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration held on October 8 in the One Police Plaza Auditorium. The event recognized several

November

On October 19, Hostos hosted a “CUNY Citizenship Now!” event in the gymnasium. Bronx Council Member Annabel Palma sponsored the event, which was also attended by Professor Allan Wernick and Director of CUNY Citizenship Now!

On October 4, the Hostos Chair and two Co-Coordinators of the CUNY Campaign for Voluntary Charitable Giving—Dolly Martínez, Nydia R. Edgecombe, and Diana Kiselyuk, respectively—accepted a trophy and two other awards for the

This free seminar series will highlight the history of Latin Music and Latin Jazz and those musicians and artists who helped create it from the Big Three Machito, Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, Mario Bauza, Chico O'Farrill, Charlie

September

Literal Publishing of Houston, Texas, and the North American Academy of the Spanish Language have released Diálogos conmigo y mis otros (Dialogues with myself and my others), a new collection of poems by

September

Four participants in the College Opportunity to Prepare for Employment (COPE) program at Eugenio María de Hostos Community College have been awarded competitive Mitsui USA Scholarships for the 2013-2014 academic

August

Hostos Community College is pleased to announce that Assistant Psychology Professor Azizi Seixas was recently selected for the 2013-2015 Program to Increase Diversity Among Individuals Engaged in Health-Related

The Hostos Repertory Company Featured in The New York Times. By WINNIE HU The Hostos Repertory Company does not have a manager and uses a classroom as a rehearsal space. Many of its 11 members have never spent much

This year, six Hostos Community College students were selected to participate in the New York Needs You Fellowship Program (NYNY). They are Maskana Adedjouman, Mor Boye, Abdoulaye Diallo, Jessica Molina, Ifeanyi

June

William Osorio, Jr., a 2012 Hostos Student Government Association member and veteran of the United States Marine Corps, received public recognition from Mayor Michael Bloomberg at the 3rd Annual NYC DADS Matter Awards

The Radiological Technology Department celebrated its Class of 2013 with a special pinning ceremony on June 17. The event was organized by Assistant Professor of the Radiologic Technology Department Jarek

On June 7, 2013, Eugenio María de Hostos Community College of The City University of New York (CUNY) held its largest commencement ceremony to date, conferring a record number of 907 degrees in the New York City Center. Unquestionably

June

Lao-Tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”” The celebratory completion ceremonies for CUNY Start and CLIP on May 14 and May 31, respectively, embodied the spirit of this well-known